There are plenty of ways to get to know Minnesota. You can spend a winter learning the finer points of snow emergencies. You can develop a strong opinion about the correct way to make hotdish. Or, for 12 days at the end of summer, you can head to St. Paul and experience an impressive amount of Minnesota in one place.
The 2026 Minnesota State Fair runs August 27 through Labor Day, September 7, bringing together agriculture, food, art, music, competitions, exhibits and plenty of wonderfully specific Minnesota traditions.
For longtime fairgoers, it's a chance to revisit the traditions that make the Great Minnesota Get-Together feel familiar. For anyone experiencing the fair for the first time, think of it as a very large, very delicious introduction to the state.
Food is a major part of the State Fair experience, and the Fair has already announced 36 official new foods and nine new vendors for 2026.
But one of the best ways to experience the fair is to look beyond the latest food-on-a-stick creation.
Wander through the agricultural and horticultural exhibits, visit the animals, and explore Minnesota-made art and creative competitions. Be entertained by free live music on various stages throughout the grounds and be sure to catch the daily parade.
The fair's combination of agriculture, creativity, entertainment and unabashedly unusual snacks is part of what makes it such an interesting snapshot of Minnesota. Even if you've attended for years, there's almost always a corner of the fairgrounds you've never explored.
The fair is just as wondrous and entertaining whether it’s your first time visiting or you’re a seasoned fairgoer. For those who have attended the fair before, along with your usual traditions, pick one building, exhibit, performance, or ride you've always walked past make a point of trying something new! For first timers, don't try to "complete" the State Fair. The grounds are expansive and the schedule is packed, simply choose a few priorities and leave yourself some time to wander and simply enjoy the experience in a more spontaneous way.
Plan your ride - Getting to the Minnesota State Fair from Cedars
Option 1: State Fair Express Bus from Bloomington
This may be one of the most convenient choices from our area.
For 2026, Bloomington is one of Metro Transit's six State Fair Express Bus locations. You can park for free and take a direct bus to the fairgrounds. Metro Transit Express buses drop passengers at the State Fair Transit Hub at Gate 16 on the west side of the fairgrounds. Advance round-trip tickets are listed at $5 through the Metro Transit app, with $6 cash fares available at boarding locations.
Check Metro Transit and the State Fair's transportation information before leaving for the latest location and schedule details.
Option 2: Regular Metro Transit Service
If you'd rather use regular transit, several routes serve the fairgrounds. The METRO A Line travels along Snelling Avenue and connects with the 46th Street Station, while Route 3 and Route 61 also stop near the fairgrounds. Another option is taking the METRO Green Line and transferring to the A Line at Snelling Avenue Station.
Using Metro Transit's Trip Planner before your visit is the easiest way to find the best combination for your starting point and departure time.
Option 3: Drive, Then Park & Ride
If you prefer to drive toward St. Paul without dealing with parking directly at the fairgrounds, the State Fair operates numerous free Park & Ride locations closer to the fair. Parking and the shuttle ride are free at participating lots.
Option 4: Drive All the Way
On-site parking is available at the State Fairgrounds, but spaces are limited. If driving is your preferred option, consider arriving early and check the State Fair's parking updates before heading out
A Few Things Worth Knowing Before You Go:
The fair runs August 27–September 7, 2026, with Labor Day operating on shortened hours this year.
Pre-fair discount admission tickets are available through August 26, and the fair also offers special admission promotions on select days.
And if rides are part of your tradition, there's another detail to know: the Mighty Midway and Kidway now use Fun Cards rather than paper ride and game tickets.
Most importantly, wear comfortable shoes.
Planning your visit? Explore schedules, maps, food, tickets, accessibility information and current transportation updates on the official Minnesota State Fair website.
Minnesota State Fair: Quick Info
- Dates: August 27–September 7, 2026
- Hours: Fairgrounds open 7 a.m.–11 p.m. most days; 7 a.m.–9 p.m. on Labor Day
- Specials: Discount admission days and pre-fair ticket savings are available; check the Fair website for current offers.
- Address: 1265 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul, MN 55108
- Website: mnstatefair.org
- Transportation Tip: Consider Metro Transit’s State Fair Express Bus from Bloomington or one of the Fair’s free Park & Ride locations.
